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15 Facts You Need to Know About MRI

An MRI can be used to take images of the brain and face, spine, joints, long bones, vascular systems, abdomen and lungs.

Many different diseases that are treatable and even curable can be definitively diagnosed using MRI.

The MRI scanner is a superconducting electro magnet that is filled with approximately 1,000 liters of liquid helium, which exists at a temperature of four degrees Kelvin (-452 degrees Fahrenheit).

The MRI’s magnetic field is 1,000–4,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field. Magnetism is measured in Gauss, while MRI scanners are measured in Tesla. 1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss. VIoC's scanner is 1.5 Tesla.

The strong magnetic field in the MRI scanner is used to align hydrogen protons in tissue.

MRI is able to make such clear pictures because of the large number of protons found in the body, primarily in water and fat.

Radio waves are used to affect hydrogen protons in specific interactions. The radio frequency receptors then collect the response or “echo” of the protons.

Unhealthy tissues respond to the radio frequencies differently than healthy tissues.

Advanced computer systems evaluate and reconstruct the data into images. Each image sequence gives a unique set of information. MRI provides superior images with excellent soft-tissue detail and three-dimensional reconstruction.

Imaging can be done at practically any position or angle without moving the patient.

Since the information the MRI produces is digital, the scans can be sent in real time to our board-certified radiologist and to the referring veterinarian.

Unlike conventional radiographs (x-rays) or computerized tomography (CT), MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which can be harmful. (X-rays are a trillion times more energetic and potentially damaging than radio waves.)

MRI contrast agents do not cause the allergic reactions that iodine-based agents do.